Microbial blend compositions and methods for their use

ABSTRACT

Microbial blend compositions and method for their use are provided. The subject compositions comprise a plurality of distinct microbial species that all share the following characteristics: (i) are antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) are non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) are tolerant of high temperatures; (iv) grow rapidly; and (v) proliferate on a complex substrate. In many embodiments, the compositions further include a carrier, e.g., a liquid or solid carrier medium. In practicing the subject methods, the compositions are applied to at least one of soil and plant tissue, and in certain embodiments are applied in conjunction with a complex substrate. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject compositions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of this invention is agriculture

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating the soil, producing crops, raising livestock; and farming. With respect to cultivating the soil and producing crops, it is well known to add various fertilizing and other compositions to the soil and/or plant foliage in order to improve results. Agents that have been added to soil and/or plant tissues include microbial agents, which impart some beneficial property to the soil and/or plant to provided for desirable results.

There is continued interest in the development of new microbial formulations that are capable of providing beneficial results in agriculture and related fields.

Relevant Literature

U.S. Patents of interest include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,976; 5,696,094; 5,582,627; and 5,549,729. PCT applications of interest include: WO 00/13502 and WO 00/38513. See also: Mycorrhizae and Plant Health, F. L. Pfleger & R. G. Linderman, eds (1994) pp. 1-45; The Nature and Practice of Biological Control of Plant Pathogens, R. J. Cook & K. F. Baker (1983); and Microbial Ecology, Fundamentals and Applications. R. M. Atlas & R. Bartha, pp. 99-160

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Microbial blend compositions and methods for their use are provided. The subject compositions are made up of a plurality of distinct microbial species that all share the following characteristics: (i) are antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) are non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) grow rapidly; (iv) are tolerant of high temperatures; and (iv) readily proliferate on a complex substrate. In many embodiments, the compositions further include a carrier, e.g., a liquid or solid carrier medium. In using the subject compositions, the compositions are applied to at least one of the soil and plant tissue, and in certain embodiments are applied in conjunction with a complex substrate. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject compositions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Microbial blend compositions and methods for their use are provided. The subject compositions are made up of a plurality of distinct microbial species that all share the following characteristics: (i) are antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) are non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) grow rapidly; (iv) are tolerant of high temperatures; and (v) readily proliferate on a complex substrate. In many embodiments, the compositions further include a carrier, e.g., a liquid or solid carrier medium. In practicing the subject methods, the compositions are applied to at least one of the soil and plant tissue, and in certain embodiments are applied in conjunction with a complex substrate. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject compositions.

Before the subject invention is described further, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope of the present invention will be established by the appended claims.

In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Microbial Blend Compositions

As summarized above, the subject invention provides a composition that is made up of a plurality of distinct microbial species. By plurality is meant at least 2, and usually at least 5, where in many embodiments the number of different microbial species in the compositions may be as high as 10, 15 or higher. A feature of the subject compositions is that each of the constituent members of the plurality of microbial species has the following characteristics: (a) is antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (b) is non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (c) is tolerant of high temperatures; (d) grows rapidly; and (e) readily proliferates on a complex substrate. Each of these characteristics is now described in greater detail below.

By antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens is meant that microbial species inhibits the growth of a plurality of known pathogenic microbial species, e.g., as determined in the assay described in the Experimental Section, infra. By plurality is meant at least 2, usually at least 5 and more usually at least 10. Specific known pathogenic microbial species against which the microbial species of the subject compositions preferably show antagonism include, but are not limited to:

-   (1) Verticillium dahliae (7) Monilochaetes infuscans -   (2) Fusarium solani (8) Rhizoctonia solani -   (3) Cylindrocarpon obtusisporum (9) Sclerotinia sclerotiorum -   (4) Pythium aphanidermatum (10) Sclerotinia minor -   (5) Phytophthora megasperma (11) Sclerotium rolfsii -   (6) Phymatotrichum omnivorum (12) Botrytis cinerea     In certain preferred embodiments, the microbial species of the     subject compositions show antagonism against at least 5 of the above     pathogens, and more preferably against 10 of the above pathogens,     and most preferably against all of the above pathogens. A particular     microbial species is considered to antagonistic against a microbial     pathogen if it shows positive results in the assay described in     greater detail in the Experimental Section, infra.

The microbial species of the subject compositions must also be non-pathogenic or non-toxic with respect to an array of plants and animals. Plants against which the microbial species of the subject compositions show substantially no or no toxicity include: Tomato Seedlings, Pepper Seedlings, Cucumber Seedlings, Radish Seedlings, and Grapevine Seedlings. Toxicity against these plants may be assessed using the assay described in the Experimental Section, infra. Animal species against which the particular microbial species of the subject compositions show substantially no or no toxicity as determined using the assay described in the experimental section, supra, include: mice and rabbits.

The microbial species of the subject compositions (microbial blends) must also be tolerant of high temperatures. By tolerant is meant that they are not inactivated or killed by exposure to high temperatures. As such, they are not inactivated or killed when exposed to temperatures up to 100, usually up to 120 and more usually up to 140° F. or higher.

In addition, microbial species of the subject compositions are rapid growers, i.e., they rapidly proliferate as determined using the assay described in the Experimental Section, infra. Using this growth assay, a species must meet or exceed 1 cm beyond the circle edge within twenty four hours to be a species suitable for inclusion in the subject compositions.

Additional preferred characteristics in many embodiments include tolerance to a wide range of pH conditions. As such, the species members of the subject compositions are preferably tolerant of pH conditions that range from 3.0 to 8.0. In addition, species present in the subject compositions preferably retain viability following a minimum of at least 100 days and usually at least 120 days in liquid suspension maintained at 70° F.

In addition to the above parameters, microbial species of the subject invention are those that provide for desired results in the greenhouse assays described in the experimental section, infra. In these assays, parameters that are evaluated are germination and stand %, completion of stand to production and/or harvest, production and quality, and post germination and post-stand infection.

In addition to the above requirements, all of the constituent members of the subject microbial blend compositions are ones that rapidly proliferate on a complex substrate. By complex substrate is meant a nutrient composition of matter that includes varied chain carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, alcohols, organic acids, phenol derivatives and various cofactors. A representative complex substrate is provided in the experimental section, infra. Furthermore, complex substrates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,976, 5,696,094; 5,582,627; and 5,549,729; and published PCT application Nos. WO 00/13502 and WO 00/38513, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. A given microbial species is one that rapidly grows on a complex substrate if it grows on the substrate at a rate that is at least about 2 fold, usually at least about 5 fold and more usually at least about 10 fold faster than the specific pathogenic species disclosed above.

In certain embodiments, the constituent members of the subject microbial blend compositions are those that have been cultured or proliferated on a complex substrate, as described above and further detailed in the Experimental Section, infra.

The subject microbial blend compositions are further characterized in that they generally include at least 1 bacterial species and at least 1 fungal species. In many embodiments, the number of bacterial species in the composition is at least 5, while the number of fungal species is at least 2. In certain embodiments, the microbial species are naturally occurring species which are not genetically modified, i.e., have not been manipulated through recombinant DNA technology. Specific bacterial species of interest include, but are not limited to: Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus thuringiensis; Bacillus cereus; Bacillus megaterium; Bacillus penetrvans; Arthrobacter paraffineus; and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Specific fungal species of interest include, but are not limited to: Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma polysporum, Trichoderma hamaium, Trichoderma koningii, Gliocladium virens, Gieocladium roseum, Gliocladium catenulatum, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium lilacinum, Penicillium nigricans, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium frequentens, and the like.

Preferably, the subject compositions are substantially, if not entirely, free of microbial species that do not meet the above described parameters. By substantially free is meant that less than 1%, usually less that 0.5% and more usually less than 0.1% of the total number of microbial species in the composition do not meet the above described parameters.

The subject microbial blend compositions may include a carrier medium, which carrier medium may be a liquid or solid. Liquid carrier mediums of interest include aqueous mediums, e.g., water, which may or may not include additional components, e.g., which may or may not include additional components, e.g., glycerin, alcohol(s), polymers, organic acid(s), microbial by-products such as amino acids, various organic acids, complex carbohydrates, macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins & cofactors, sterols, proteins, gums (e.g. guar gum, xanthan gum), liquid fertilizers, liquid substrates, e.g., as found in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 9/222,459; and the like. When present in a liquid medium, the total number of microbial species in the medium is generally at least about 1×10⁵ cfu/ml, usually at least about 1×10⁹ cfu/ml and more usually at least about 1×10¹² cfu/ml. Carrier materials of interest also include solid media, e.g., inactivated seed, viable seed, prilled fertilizer, pelletted fertilizer, potting soil, compost, soybean or related meal, greenwaste and related organic waste, manure, fruit culls, talcum, dry mineral preparations, etc. and the like. When combined with a solid medium, the total number of microbial species in the overall composition generally ranges from about 1×10³ to 1×10¹⁴, usually from about 1×10⁴ to 1×10¹² and more usually from about 1×10⁵ to 1×10⁹.

Methods of Use

In practicing the subject methods, the subject compositions are applied to at least one of: the plant, a portion thereof and soil associated therewith. As such, the composition is, in many embodiments, applied to foliage of the plant, e.g. either the entire part of the plant which is above the soil level or a portion thereof, e.g. fruit, leaves, etc. In other embodiments, the composition is applied to soil associated with the plant, i.e. soil proximal to the plant in which the plant is growing, i.e. soil that is contacted by the roots of the plant or from which the plant's roots ultimately obtain nutrients and/or water.

A variety of different application protocols may be employed to apply the subject compositions, where the particular protocol employed depends, at least in part, on whether the particular compositions is a solid or liquid composition. Where the compositions is a liquid, in certain embodiments, the liquid composition is contacted with the soil. By contact is meant that the composition is introduced into the soil. As such, contact can include spraying so that the composition soaks into the soil, injecting the composition into the soil, flooding the soil with the composition, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the composition is contacted with at least a portion of the foliage of the plant. By contact in this context is meant that the composition is placed on the surface of the foliage of the plant(s) to be treated, where the term “foliage” is used broadly to encompass not only the leaves of the plant, but every other part of the plant that is not underground, i.e., below the soil surface, such that the term “foliage” includes leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, etc. Contact may be by any convenient method, including spraying, applying etc.

Depending on the particular protocol being performed and the desired outcome, as well as the nature of the composition, the environmental conditions and any other factors, the composition may be applied more than once over a given period of time. As such, the composition may be applied daily, weekly, every two weeks, monthly etc.

In many embodiments of the subject invention, the liquid compositions described above are applied or delivered in combination with an aqueous delivery vehicle. The aqueous delivery vehicle may be pure water, e.g. tap water, or an aqueous compositions that includes a carbohydrate source and other components. Of interest in many embodiments as aqueous delivery vehicles are those aqueous compositions described in copending application Ser. Nos. 09/149,930 and 09/222,459, as well as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,976; 5,696,094; 5,582,627; and 5,549,729; and published PCT application Nos. WO 00/13502 and WO 00/38513, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference (and specifically, the complex substrates disclosed in these patents, applications and publications); the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. When delivered in combination of with an aqueous delivery vehicle, the ratio of the liquid microbial blend composition to vehicle typically ranges from about 4 oz microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle to 10 gal microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle, usually from about 1 qt microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle to 5 gal microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle and more usually from about 2 qt microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle to 2.5 gal microbes with 27,000 gal vehicle.

The rate at which the subject liquid compositions are applied to the plants may vary depending on the particular nature of the composition and the method by which it is applied, so long as a sufficient amount of the composition is applied to obtain the desired results. In many embodiments where the liquid compositions are applied to the soil, the rate of application ranges from about 4 oz to 5 gal, usually from about 1 qt to 2.5 gal and more usually from about 2 qt to 1 gal/acre. Alternatively, where the liquid compositions are applied to plant tissue, e.g., foliage, they are generally applied at a rate of about 4 oz to 10 gal, usually from about 1 qt to 5 gal and more usually from about 2 qt to 2.5 gal liquid composition per 100 gallons liquid carrier, e.g., water with which the composition is blended immediately prior to application.

In those embodiments where the composition is a dry composition, e.g., a blend coated onto a dry carrier, such as inactivated seed, etc., the composition is, in many embodiments, applied to the soil. Application may take various formats, including broadcast onto the soil top, e.g., 4 to 10 inches, or to the soil surface. The dry composition may also be blended with seeded species during drilling. Other applications protocols may be employed, as are convenient. In many embodiments of using the dry compositions, the compositions are applied at a rate of 8 oz to 500 lbs, usually from about 2 lbs to 400 lbs and more usually from about 15 lbs to 200 lbs/acre.

Utility

The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications. For example, the subject compositions and methods may be used for: 1) Antagonism of soil-borne pathogens, e.g., as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction in inoculum levels as compared to a control; 2) Antagonism of soil-overwintering pathogens, e.g. as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 3) Increased release of tied-up minerals, as evidenced by a 25%-500% increase as compared to a control; 4) Antagonism of pests and nematodes, as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 5) Increased water infiltration rates as evidenced by a 25%-800% increase as compared to a control; 6) Increased water-holding capacity of soil as evidenced by a 5%-50% increase as compared to a control; 7) Aerial pathogen antagonism, as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 8) Aerial pest antagonism, as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 9) Reduced freeze hypersensitivity, as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 10) Extended shelf life of fruits & vegetables as evidenced by a 10%-100% increase as compared to a control; 11) Antagonism of insect pests as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 12) Antagonism of soil-borne pathogens as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; 13) Antagonism of soil-overwintering pathogens as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to control; 14) Increased release of tied-up minerals as evidenced by a 10%-100% increase as compared to a control; 15) Antagonism of nematode pests as evidenced by a 10%-100% reduction as compared to a control; etc.

Methods of Making

Also provided are methods of making the subject formulations. A representative manufacturing method is provided in the experimental section, infra. Briefly, to prepare the subject microbial blend compositions, the microbes to be included in the composition are first identified. This identification step may include using microbes that are known to meet the above listed criteria or screening candidate microbes to determine whether they possess the desired criteria. Once the microbe constituents are identified, they are then matured or grown in culture, preferably separately and on a complex substrate, as described above. The separate grown and matured microbial cultures are then combined to produce the final microbial blend compositions, which may then be combined with a carrier, as desired.

The following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

Experimental

I. Identification of Microbes

The beneficial, antagonistic strains are isolated from California farm land. They are natural, non-engineered isolates. Candidate isolates are put through a rigorous testing scheme before being considered for use in the finished suspension for commercial use:

A. Pathogen Antagonistic Assay:

1. Overview

Candidate agents are tested on “Challenge Plates” on which the petri dish-containing media is inoculated with 2 discs of one of 12 common soil-inhabiting pathogenic species—

-   -   (1) Verticillium dahliae (7) Monilochaetes infuscans     -   (2) Fusarium solani (8) Rhizoctonia solani     -   (3) Cylindrocarpon obtusisporum (9) Sclerotinia sclerotiorum     -   (4) Pythium aphanidermatum (10) Sclerotinia minor     -   (5) Phytophthora megasperma (11) Sclerotium rolfsii     -   (6) Phymatotrichum omnivorum (12) Botrytis cinerea

In this assay, a candidate beneficial antagonist must show aggressiveness against all 12 pathogenic species. A single streak of the candidate beneficial microbe is cultured between the 2 discs of the pathogen. The zone of inhibition to inward progressive growth of the pathogen manifests, in part, the potential antagonistic capabilities of the candidate.

2. Details

Method of culturing microbe species candidates:

-   -   a) Bacterial candidates are cultured on nutrient agar (Bacto         Nutrient Agar, DIFCO Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) as a standard         agar medium (31 grams per liter of media)     -   b) Fungal candidates are cultured on potato dextrose agar (DIFCO         Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) as a standard agar medium (39         grams per liter of media)

c) Actinomycete candidates are cultured onto the following agar medium: Ingredient Amount/Liter Beef extract 1 gr Yeast extract 1 gr Tryptose 2 gr Glucose 10 gr Ferrous sulfate trace Agar 15 gr Water 1,000 ml

-   -   d) Candidate isolates are cultured onto appropriate media @25         deg C. Fungal species that require light for sporulation are         cultured in the light. Otherwise, all other cultures are         incubated in the dark.     -   e) Thriving cultures of the pathogen are also cultured on         appropriate media. A 5 mm diameter disc is removed from the test         agar plate and replaced with a matching disc from the pathogen         culture. At the same time a 5 mm wide strip of candidate         antagonist is streaked in the middle of the plate, exactly         between the 2 pathogen discs. These will be referred to as         “Challenge Plates”. Two matching control plates are also set up         at the same time: (a) With pathogen discs only and (b) With         antagonist streak only.     -   f) The challenge and control plates are incubated in the dark at         25 deg C. and examined at 24 hour intervals.     -   g) Criteria for accepting a viable antagonist candidate are as         follows:         -   (1) The antagonist must either match or exceed the rate of             growth of the pathogen         -   (2) If “zones of inhibition” are manifested, the zone of             inhibition must exceed 25% impedance of the growth indicated             on the pathogen control plate         -   (3) Concomitantly, the growth of the antagonist must not be             impeded by more than 25% of the growth observed on the             antagonist candidate control plate         -   (4) Antagonism must be observed within 48 hours         -   (5) More than 50% of the pathogen growth must be impeded by             the candidate antagonist             B. Identification of Candidates and Evaluation of             Plant/Animal Toxicity:             1. Overview

Candidates that pass the pathogen antagonism test are then identified to the species level, using any convenient protocol. Part of the reason for speciation is to clearly identify any possible animal or plant pathogens. Species that might be suspected of being potential animal or plant pathogens are tested as follows—

-   a. Plant Pathogen Screening: Test Plants˜Tomato Seedlings, Pepper     Seedlings, Cucumber Seedlings, Radish Seedling, Grapevine Seedling. -   Tests: Suspension Hypodermic Needle Injection Into Vascular Tissue     -   Suspension Spray+Humid Incubation -   b. Animal Pathogen Screening: Test Animals˜Rabbit & Mice     -   Tests: Suspension Hypodermic Needle Subcutaneous Injection         -   Suspension Spray Exposure/Lung Inhalation             2. Details             Method of Pathogen Antagonism Screening with Indicator             Plants˜

Pots with various types of soil are prepared:

-   -   a) Sterilized control

b) Inoculated with appropriate disease-causing levels of pathogens— Pathogen Approx Inoculum per Gram Soil Verticillium dahliae 200+ cfu Fusarium solani 400+ cfu Rhizoctonia solani  30+ cfu Pythium aphanidermatum 300+ cfu Phytophthora megasperma  50+ cfu Phymatotrichum omnivorum 100+ cfu Monilochaetes infuscans 400+ cfu Sclerotinia sclerotiorum  5+ cfu S. minor  25+ cfu Sclerotium rolfsii  10+ cfu Botrytis cinerea 400+ cfu

Forty eight hours after pathogen introduction, contaminated and control soils (250 cc) are drenched with a suspension of the candidate antagonist:

-   -   c) Bacteria are drenched at 50 ml of suspension @ approximately         1×10 (12^(th)) cfu per ml+5 ml liquid substrate (Pending U.S.         patent application Ser. No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which         is herein incorporated by reference)     -   d) Fungi are drenched at 50 ml of suspension @ approximately         1×10 (9^(th)) cfu per ml+5 ml of liquid substrate (above)     -   e) Actinomycetes are drenched at 50 ml of suspension @         approximately 1×10 (10^(th)) per ml+5 ml of liquid substrate         (above)     -   f) A control series is run with just 5 ml/250 cc soil of         substrate alone         The pathogen+antagonist and control pots are allowed to incubate         for 2 weeks, keeping the soil reasonably moist (˜80% field         capacity) throughout the 2 weeks, which allows for microbe         activity.         At the end of 2 week's incubation, the pots are seeded with         appropriate indicator plants.

Criteria utilized for the various pathogens are: Pathogen Criteria for Antagonism Passing Grade Verticillium dahliae Vascular wilt @ or <10% of CK after bloom Fusarium solani Root & stem rot <10% of CK development Cylindrocarpon obtusisporum Vascular wilt @ or <10% of CK after bloom Pythium aphanidermatum Germination & stand % >90% of CK Phytophthhora megasperma Germination & stand % >90% of CK Phymatotrichum omnivorum Germination & stand % >90% of CK Monilochaetes infuscans Reisolation and titer <10% of CK of the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Root & stem rot; <10% of CK germ & stand % Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Reisolation of sclerotia <10% of CK and viability S. minor As for S. sclerotiorum <10% of CK Sclerotium rolfsii Reisolation of sclerotia <10% of CK and viability Botrytis cinerea Reisolation and titer <10% of CK of pathogen Candidate antagonists which pass the plate and greenhouse bioassay are cultured onto appropriate agar plates and incubated @ 25 deg C. for 48-96 hours. Rabbits and mice are exposed as follows:

-   -   a) Lung exposure—a liquid suspension of ˜1×10 (6^(th)) cfu/ml is         sprayed via an aerosol mist while the animal is placed within an         air-tight enclosure. The same exposure is made to control         animals but with sterile distilled water (CK).     -   b) Intravenous injection—a liquid suspension of ˜1×10 (6^(th))         cfu/ml is injected behind the neck (˜100 mcl). A control         exposure utilizes 100 mcl of sterile distilled water.     -   c) Oral ingestion—a liquid suspension of ˜1×10 (6^(th)) cfu/ml         is sprayed onto food and drinking water replaced with 10 ml/100         ml water suspension. The control treatment merely covers the use         of sterile distilled water sprayed over solid food.

For the lung and intravenous exposures, animals are allowed to resume their normal activities and observed for 2 months. Oral ingestion is allowed to continue for 1 week before normal activities are resumed and observed for 2 months.

Criteria for evaluations are as follows:

-   -   d) Coughing or respiratory difficulties     -   e) Lesions or infections     -   f) Loss of weight or appetite     -   g) Mortality

All tests have a 0% tolerance for a discrepancy in any of the above categories

C. Additional Screening Assays:

1. Overview

Candidate, beneficial microbes are further characterized based on alternative characteristics˜

-   -   a) Maximum temperature tolerance (preferably tolerant to at         least 140 deg F.);     -   this tends to select spore-forming bacteria, actinomycetes and         resting stage spore-forming fungi     -   b) Tolerant of pH range from 3.0-8.0     -   c) Rapid growth rate (when a central, circular inoculum is         placed on media, the candidate must meet or exceed 1 cm beyond         the circle edge within 24 hrs)     -   d) Retention of viability following a minimum of 120 days in         liquid suspension @ 70 deg F.

2. Details Test Method & Evaluation Criteria a. Max Temp Candidate antagonists cultured onto appropriate agar media 96 hr cultures exposed to: 140 deg F. for 96 hours Reisolation and % viability determined A 90%+ recovery is required to pass this test b. pH Tolerance Candidate antagonist suspensions set @ pH 3, 5 & 8 (1 × 10-12^(th)) Exposed for 96 hours @ 25 deg C. Reisolation and examination of titer A 90%+ recovery is required to pass this test c. Growth Rate 5 mm discs of candidates are placed onto appropriate media (1 disc in the middle and 1 disc within each quadrant) All are incubated at 25 deg C. in the dark except for species that require light (e.g Trichoderma spp.) Organisms must meet the following criteria: a) Fungi - Fill the plate in 72 hours b) Bact - Fill 60% of the plate within 96 hours c) Act - Fill 60% of the plate within 96 hours d. Viability Candidates are grown and matured on appropriate agar media @ 25 deg C. for 120 hours. Organisms are washed from the plates with a light saline solution (Ringer's Solution) and made up to 1 × 10 (12^(th)) concentration. The containers are labeled and placed in dark rooms set @ 25 deg C. for 120 days After exposure, the titer of viable organisms is tested 80%+ viability is required to pass the test D. Growth Enhancement Assays:

The safe and efficacious, beneficial, pathogen antagonistic microbes identified in the above assays are then further tested under simulated field conditions utilizing model, potted plant studies—

-   -   e) Tomato Seedlings+(1) Pythium aphanidermatum         -   +(2) Rhizoctonia solani         -   +(3) Verticillium dahliae         -   +(4) Fusarium oxysporum     -   f) Lettuce Seedlings+(1) Pythium aphanidermatum         -   +(2) Sclerotinia sclerotiorum     -   c) Pepper Seedlings+(1) Phytophthora parasitica         -   +(2) Rhizoctonia solani         -   +(3) Sclerotium rolfsii         -   +(4) Fusarium solani     -   g) Parameters Examined         -   i. Germination and stand %         -   ii. Completion of stand to production and/or harvest         -   iii. Production and quality         -   iv. Post-germination and post-stand infections             II. Microbial Blend Preparation:

The beneficial, pathogenic antagonistic microbial candidates passing all tests described above are then mass produced individually in pure culture, allowed to mature, then blended together for the final product suspension. The following aqueous medium is employed for culture: Targeted Rate/100 Material Ingredients Gal Mix Molasses simple & complex sugars, 2 gal cofactors, proteins Ca Lignosulfonate phenolic derivatives, various 2 qt acids, complex sugars Amino Acids aliphatic, acidic, basic and other 1 gal amino acids Gallic Acid phenolic acid 1 lb Yeast Extract cofactors, vitamins 10 lb Tap Water — ˜96 gal Note:

-   -   (1) The blend is ozonated for 6-12 hours to remove contaminants,         then allowed to dissipate residual ozone for 2 hours with         sterile air bubbling before a gallon of 48-hour liquid starter         culture is added.

(2) The large inoculum of starter culture is further assurance to avoid contamination.

(3) The culture is allowed to reach maturity for 72-120 hours following inoculation.

(4) Maturity is gauged by the final pH of the suspension. Most cultures are mature when the pH drops close to 4.0-4.5

-   -   (5) Cultures are then blended in equal volumes and homogenized         in a stainless steel mixing vat.

(6) The natural, organic acid by-products induced to production assist in maintaining a 5 quiescent state of the microbes.

(7) The mixed and defined suspension is containerized and stored between 36-70 deg F.

Note:

-   -   [1] Certain species of fingi (e.g. Trichoderma viride,         Gliocladium virens) are cultured on cooked grain.     -   [2] The grain is first boiled in the media described above, then         sterilized in an 15 autoclave (120 psi, 240 deg F.)     -   [3] The sterilized, media-impregnated grain is then cooled and         inoculated with pure spore suspensions of the required fungus,         covered to prevent contamination and incubated between 70-80         deg F. for 1 week.     -   [4] Spores are harvested by submersing the grain culture         (covered with spores) in Ringer's Salt Solution into which         silicone surfactant is added to make a 100-200 ppm surfactant         solution.     -   [5] The spore suspension is standardized to 1-10 billion per ml         and the suspension added to the mixing vat in step 5 above (10         gal/100 gal mix).         III. Representative Specific Compositions and Methods of Use 30

A. Specific Formulations Final Product Material Constitution Volume/Gal Appox Titer Iota Bacillus subtilis 201 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Bacillus subtilis 202 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Comomonas acidovorans 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Curtobacterium sp. 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Pseudomonas fluorescens 301 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Bacillus thuringiensis 102 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) Trichoderma viride 401 32 oz ˜5 × 10 (9^(th)) Iota (+) B. subtilis 201 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) B. subtilis 202 16 oz ˜5 × 10 (11^(th)) B. thuringiensis 101 21 oz ˜7 × 10 (11^(th)) B. thuringiensis 102 21 oz ˜7 × 10 (11^(th)) B. thuringiensis 103 21 oz ˜7 × 10 (11^(th)) Trichoderma viride 401 32 oz ˜5 × 10 (9^(th)) Asunder Heat inactivated corn seed 50 lbs ˜2 × 10 (11^(th)) Iota (+) suspension 250 ml Spreader Sticker 2 ml

B. Benefits Product Benefits Measure of Benefit Soil: 1) Antagonism of soil-borne pathogens 1) 10%-100% reduction in Iota     inoculum levels 2) Antagonism of soil-overwintering pathogens 2) 10%-100% reduction 3) Increased release of tied-up minerals 3) 25%-500% increase 4) Antagonism of pests and nematodes 4) 10%-100% reduction 5) Increased water infiltration rates 5) 25%-800% increase 6) Increased water-holding capacity of soil 6) 5%-50% increase Iota 1) Aerial pathogen antagonism 1) 10%-100% reduction Foliar: 2) Aerial pest antagonism 2) 10%-100% reduction 3) Reduced freeze hypersensitivity 3) 10%-100% reduction 4) Extended shelf life of fruits & vegetables 4) 10%-100% increase Asunder: 1) Antagonism of insect pests 1) 10%-100% reduction 2) Antagonism of soil-borne pathogens 2) 10%-100% reduction 3) Antagonism of soil-overwintering pathogens 3) 10%-100% reduction 4) Increased release of tied-up minerals 4) 10%-100% increase 5) Antagonism of nematode pests 5) 10%-100% reduction

C. Additional Formulation Ingredient Amount per Lb. Heat-Inactivated Corn Seed — Bacillus thuringiensis 101 1.2 ml Bacillus thuringiensis 102 1.2 ml Bacillus thuringiensis 103 1.2 ml Bacillus subtililis 201 1.2 ml Note: Each liquid culture of microorganisms contains 1×10 (9^(th))-1×10 (14^(th)) cfu/ml IV. Characterization Assays: A. Rhizoctonia solani suppression—

-   -   Sandy loam soil in 6″ diameter clay pots sterilized by         autoclaving (120 psi, 110 deg C., 1 hr)     -   Pathogen treatments—         -   Inoculated with 10 sclerotia per gram of soil (Control)         -   Inoculated with 10 sclerotia per gram of soil (Treatment)     -   Antagonist treatments (per 250 cc soil)—         -   Drenched with 50 ml sterile water (Control)         -   Drenched with 50 ml of Iota suspension (1×10 (12^(th)             cfu/ml)+5 ml liquid substrate (U.S. patent application Ser.             No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which is herein             incorporated by reference)         -   Allowed to incubate 14 days:             -   25 deg C.             -   80% field capacity wetness             -   ˜16 hours light+8 hours darkness     -   After 14 days incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         planted with green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)     -   After 21 days, inspected for root and stem lesions and rated on         a 1-10 scale with 10 representing maximum disease

Rhizoctonia solani: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 9 8 10 9 9 7 10 8 9 9 88 8.8 a Iota 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 12 1.2 b B. Verticillium dahliae suppression—

-   -   1. Sandy loam soil in 6″ diameter clay pots sterilized as for R.         solani     -   2. Pathogen treatments—         -   a) Inoculated with 200 microsclerotia per gram of soil             (Control)         -   b) Inoculated with 200 microsclerotia per gram of soil             (Treatment)     -   3. Antagonist treatments (per 250 cc soil)—         -   a) Drenched with 50 ml sterile water (Control)             -   Drenched with 50 ml of Iota suspension (1×10 (12^(th))                 cfu/ml)+5 ml liquid substrate (U.S. patent application                 Ser. No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which is herein                 incorporated by reference)     -   b) Allow to incubate 21 days:         -   (1) 25 deg C.         -   (2) 80% field capacity wetness         -   (3) ˜16 hours light+8 hours darkness     -   4. After 21 days incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         planted with green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)     -   5. Plants allowed to grow past bloom and into fruit set before         evaluation of disease. Plants were evaluated for visible wilt         symptoms and given a 1-10 rating with 10 representing maximum         disease.

Verticillium dahliae: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 10 10 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 10 97 9.7 a Iota 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 1.0 b C. Sclerotium rolfsii suppression—

-   -   Identical soil preparation as per R. solani     -   Pathogen treatments same as per R. solani but with S. rolfsii     -   Antagonist treatment same as per R. solani but incubation time         increased to 21 days     -   After 21 days incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         planted with green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)     -   Plants allowed to grow 10 days past fruit set before evaluation         for crown rot. Rated on a 1-10 scale with 10 representing         maximum disease.

Sclerotium rolfsii: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 99 9.9 a Iota 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 1.0 b D. Phytophthora cactorum suppression—

-   -   Soil prepared as per R. solani     -   Pathogen treatments—         -   Inoculated with 40 cfu per ml (Control)         -   Inoculated with 40 cfu per ml (Treatment)     -   Antagonist treatments (per 250 cc soil)—         -   Drenched with sterile water         -   Drenched with 50 ml Iota suspension (1×10 (12^(th))             cfu/ml)+5 ml liquid substrate (U.S. patent application Ser.             No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which is herein             incorporated by reference)     -   Allowed to incubate 14 days:         -   25 deg C.         -   80% field capacity wetness         -   ˜16 hours light+8 hours darkness     -   After 14 das incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         planted with green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)     -   Plants allowed to grow for 21 days before evaluation for crown         and rot rot. Rated on a 1-10 scale with 10 representing maximum         disease.

Phytophthora cactorum: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treat- ment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 100 10 a Iota 2 2 2 1 4 2 3 1 2 2 21  2.1 b E. Botrytis cinerea suppression—

-   -   Soils prepared as per R. solani     -   Pathogen treatments         -   Inoculated with ˜400 cfu per gram of soil (Control)         -   Inoculated with ˜400 cfu per gram of soil (Treatment)     -   Antagonist treatments (per 250 cc soil)—         -   Drenched with 50 ml sterile water (Control)         -   Drenched with 50 ml of Iota suspension (1×10 (12^(th))             cfu/ml)+5 ml liquid substrate (U.S. patent application Ser.             No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which is herein             incorporated by reference)     -   Allowed to incubate 14 days:         -   25 deg C.         -   80% field capacity wetness         -   ˜16 hours light+8 hours darkness     -   After 14 days incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         isolated for Botrytis cinerea inoculum levels     -   Evaluation based on cfu's recovered based on a 400 cfu/ml         inoculation. Rating was based on a 1-10 scale with 10         representing maximum recovery of the pathogen.

Botrytis cinerea: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treat- ment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 100 10 a Iota 3 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 23  2.3 b F. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum suppression—

-   -   Soil preparation as per R. solani     -   Pathogen treatments—         -   Inoculated with 5 sclerotia per gram of soil and placed in             nylon sock and buried in the potting soil (Control)         -   Inoculated with 5 sclerotia per gram of soil as above             (Treatment)     -   Antagonist treatments (per 250 cc soil)—         -   Drenched with 50 ml sterile water (Control)         -   Drenched with 50 ml of Iota suspension (1×10 (12^(th))             cfu/ml)+5 ml liquid substrate (U.S. patent application Ser.             No. 9/222,459, the disclosure of which is herein             incorporated by reference)         -   Allowed to incubate 21 days:             -   25 deg C.             -   80% field capacity wetness             -   ˜16 hours light+8 hours darkness     -   After 21 days incubation, 10 control and 10 treatment pots         examined for sclerotia viability.     -   Viability based on a 1-10 rating with 10 representing maximum         viability

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: Antagonism in the soil with Iota Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Mean Control 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 100 10 a Iota 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10  1 b

The above discussion and results demonstrate that the subject microbial blend compositions provide for significant benefits in the field of agriculture, where use of the subject compositions in accordance with the subject methods provides for significantly improved results. As such, the subject invention represents a significant contribution to the art.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A composition comprising a plurality of distinct microbial species, wherein each constituent member of said plurality is: (a) antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (b) non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (c) is tolerant of high temperatures; (d) grows rapidly; and (e) proliferates on a complex substrate.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said plurality comprises at least one bacterial species and at least one fungal species.
 3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein said plurality comprises at least 5 distinct microbial species.
 4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein said plurality comprises at least 5 bacterial species.
 5. The composition according to claim 3, wherein said plurality comprises at least 2 fungal species.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition comprises a carrier.
 7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein said carrier is a liquid.
 8. The composition according to claim 6, wherein said carrier is a solid.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of microbial species has been proliferated on a complex substrate.
 10. A composition comprising: (a) a plurality of distinct microbial species made up of at least 5 different bacterial species and at least 2 different fungal species, wherein each constituent member of said plurality is: (i) antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) is tolerant of high temperatures; (iv) grows rapidly; and (v) proliferates on a complex substrate; and (b) a carrier.
 11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein said carrier is a liquid.
 12. The composition according to claim 10, wherein said carrier is a solid.
 13. In an agricultural method, the improvement comprising: applying to at least one of soil or plant tissue a composition according to claim
 1. 14. A method of producing a composition according to claim 1, said method comprising: (a) identifying a plurality of microbial species that are: (i) antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) tolerant of high temperatures; (iv) grows rapidly; and (v) proliferates on a complex substrate; and (b) combining said plurality to produce said composition.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprises separately proliferating each species prior to said combining.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said proliferating occurs in the presence of a complex substrate.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said method further comprises combining said composition with a carrier.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said carrier is a fluid.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said carrier is a solid.
 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein said identifying comprises subjecting a candidate microbial species to a series of assays which identify whether the species has all of said (i)-(v) characteristics. 